School Notes 10/28/2013

Four Abington Heights High School students were recognized for their outstanding academic promise.

Based on their nationally applied selection index score, students Eric Onofrey, Ryan McDonald and Kanak Chattopadhyay were named National Merit Commended Students.

Meanwhile, in addition to earning the Commended Student honor, Aidan Hodge received the distinction of being named a National Merit Semifinalist - meaning he was one of the highest scoring entrants in the state.

miorfino@timesshamrock.com

Carbondale Area

Her classmates believe in Emily Wall's leadership ability.

The seventh-grader was elected class president, and she plans to lead her classmates to achieve all goals they set this year.

"I have always been a person who wants to try to make a positive difference, so that makes me think that my fellow students will be happy with the way I represent them in student government," she said. "That makes me feel good as that is the role of a student leader."

rbrown@timesshamrock.com

Delaware Valley

Josh Shepard, grade 11, is a drama and music standout at his school. His memberships include Future Business Leaders of America, junior historians, drama club, chorus, orchestra, chamber choir, county choir, chamber orchestra and county orchestra, where he was awarded Best in Excellence in Orchestra, Chorus and Drama.

Josh enjoys being involved. "Each year meeting new people, making friends and reuniting with old ones makes me wish I can stay longer after school," he said.

He also volunteers at his church, as well as having helped people in need by donating clothing and food.

"Volunteering has made me grow as a person," Josh said. "As much as I try to help others, they help me as well. They teach me to stay humble and grateful for what I have."

lzaccagnino@ timesshamrock.com

Dunmore

Kristine Fagioli is Dunmore Elementary Center's leader in the Accelerated Reader program, during which students read books and take computer tests on them.

The third-grader has read a plethora of books and earned 255 points in the program.

"I love to read because it's entertaining and gives you more details and information than a movie," Kristine said. "I read every chance I get."

She particularly enjoys books from the "Harry Potter" series.

In urging others to read, the 8-year-old said: "Reading is the key to wisdom."

kwind@timesshamrock.com

Elk Lake

Senior Cameron White was chosen as homecoming king on Sept. 28. Each class nominates six students in both the male and female categories.

"For court, we have a vote just for our grade, and at the dance, everybody votes for who they want for queen, king, prince and princess," Cameron said, adding "I didn't know that I made a face but some of my friends told me that I made a surprised face."

Cameron is a member of student council and prom steering. He will be attending the Culinary Institute of America next year.

lzaccagnino@ timesshamrock.com

Forest City Regional

When she goes for a walk, Allison Lipko really takes in her surroundings.

The ninth-grader is part of Watersheds, a group that takes on different environmental projects and activities. So far, the group has tested a stream for water quality and taken a nature walk to study different plants.

"It's really fun to go out and see nature in a different way," she said. "It gives us a better idea of how we can take care of different things and not be so harmful to the environment."

rbrown@timesshamrock.com

Holy Cross

Michael Pope participated in the Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course with the Civil Air Patrol, a "national cadet special activity" that had 25 slots.

The course was held from July 27 to Aug. 3 at the Kennedy Space Center at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

"It was one of the most amazing and fun things I have ever done," Michael said.

To participate, Michael had to apply and go before a national selection board.

kwind@timesshamrock.com

Lakeland

Over the last several years, Siena Cardamone has worked as an assistant for state Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, and served Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich, D-Taylor. So it's no surprise her fellow classmates elected her as a senior class officer.

"I love public service," she said.

An aspiring politician, Siena plans to attend law school after graduation. She is a graduate of Leadership Lackawanna, and participates in the National Honor Society, student council, Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions and the anti-bullying program.

miorfino@timesshamrock.com

Mid Valley

After four years with the club, Lacey Stanton took the reigns.

The senior is this year's president of Busted, an anti-tobacco club.

"I think smoking at our age is a big problem.," she said. "A lot of kids do it at this age. It's something we try to prevent.

Lacey is also involved in French Club, leo club, drama club, and serves as president of the yearbook and a peer mediator.

rbrown@timesshamrock.com

Her teachers were the first ones to recognize Kendra Wuestling's talent.

They told her she was a strong writer and suggested she get involved with the Spartan Outlook. The senior is now the newspaper's editor-in-chief.

"I want to get involved in communications and writing," Kendra said.

She's looking forward to seeing the final product, "when you see all of the articles together."

After graduation, she plans to attend college and study communications.

Kendra is also involved in National Honor Society, leo club, SADD, drill team, yoga club, home ec club, and serves as the secretary of busted club.

rbrown@timesshamrock.com

Montrose

For 10 weeks, Courtney Harding endured basic training.

Courtney, a junior, enlisted in the Army National Guard and spent part of her summer in Fort Jackson, S.C.

"I have been positively influenced by attending basic training because I learned comradery and discipline. I had a lot of fun being able to learn how to serve my country," said Courtney.

kbolus@timesshamrock.com

Mountain View

Mark Fontana got a lesson in dancing and drumming.

Mark worked with Maxwell Kofi Donkur, director of an ensemble group of African dancers and drummers who visited Mountain View High School. The group, Sankofa, Twi, Ghanian for "going back to the roots," travels to schools to teach students about art, music, folklore and culture from Ghana, West Africa.

Mark helped transport their drums, encouraged other students to join in on drum circles and did promotional work for the group throughout the school.

Mark plays guitar, trumpet, piano, drums and also sings. He is a member of a cappella chorus, chorus, basketball and track. He hopes to make his own music professionally as a rapper and also produce.

Future plans for Mark involve acceptance into Lebanon Valley College, where he plans to major in Recording Technology. He aspires to work in the music industry.

kbolus@timesshamrock.com

North Pocono

Hannah Whitney has been named Rotary student of the month.

Not only is the senior on the honor roll, but she also participates in numerous extra-curricular activities, including athletics. As a member of the cross country and track teams, Hannah helped break the school's track and field records for the 400 meter run, 1,600 meter relay and 3,200 meter relay.

She listed the track and field team's 1,600 meter relay team placing first at districts last year and going on to states as her most memorable high school moment.

Her other activities include Red Cross Club, SADD, Student Council and Latin Club. Over the summer, she worked at the American embassy in Lithuania.

kwind@timesshamrock.com

Riverside

Two members of the high school drama club stood on the football field rather than the stage to be crowned homecoming king and queen.

The king and queen and their court were featured prior to the West Scranton High School football game against Wallenpaupack at Memorial Stadium.

shofius@timesshamrock.com

Susquehanna Community

Ashley Miller splits her time between school, work and volunteering.

For the past three years, Ashley has worked at Barnes Kasson Hospital. After she clocks out, the senior who is among the top 10 in her class, volunteers throughout her community. She also gives her time to such causes at the fish fry at the American Legion to raise money for the Edwards Scholarship.

While at school, Ashley is president of the student council and a member of yearbook and the National Honor Society. She was selected to be an ambassador for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar and also an ambassador for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Ashley attended the PA Association of Student Councils Summer Leadership Workshop and next month will be participating in her third PASC Sate Conference as a workshop presenter.

Ashley's future will take her to the University of Pittsburgh, where she plans to major in business. She hopes to also attain a Masters of Law and Business Administration (JD/MBA).

kbolus@timesshamrock.com.

Valley View

Donavan Darienzo will perform in Nashville with two of his classmates for a national audience Wednesday.

He was one of three Valley View students selected for the All-National Honors Ensemble, sponsored by the National Association for Music Education.

"This is truly a great honor," he said. "Thanks to all those who helped me get this far."

Donavan is also involved in National Honor Society, chorus, band, Leo club, French club and history club.

"Jasmine has so many gifts," her teacher Karen Martin said. "The one that stands out consistently is her willingness to help a non-English-speaking student become more comfortable in his new country and communicate with his peers."

Jasmine said she has been translating for others since she was 3. "Helping others is my hobby," she said.

sscinto@timesshamrock.com

Western Wayne

Drum majors William Rennekamp and Michael Carrasquillo have a lot in common.

Aside from their interest in the marching band, the seniors both play the trumpet and earned positions at district chorus in January.

They don't have everything in common, however, as Michael sings bass II, and William sings tenor II. William also plays the ukulele, banjo and harmonica.

The pair spoke about leading the marching band as drum majors.

"We decide between us how we split the responsibilities of leading the four songs in the show," Michael said. "We guide practices and set the tempo."

"Our band director, Mr. Stedenfeld, allows us to be independent in how we lead the band, to find our own style," added William.

kwind@timesshamrock.com

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